Dancing, swimming and working in your 70s – the UK islands full of superagers

Dancing, swimming and working in your 70s, the UK islands full of superagers On a crisp morning in Stromness, Orkney, 74-year-old Wendy Flett begins her day with a swim in the local aqua fitness centre. By afternoon, she will have attended yoga, completed a session of pilates and joined a group known as the Stromness Singing Selkies, who perform songs while plunging into the icy waters of the Orkney Sea. Beyond these activities, Wendy continues to teach children how to swim, calls bingo and volunteers for local charities and lifeboat services. Her lifestyle, though demanding, reflects a broader trend among Orkney’s older population, individuals who remain physically active, socially engaged and professionally involved well into their seventies. Orkney, an island chain located off the northern coast of Scotland, has recently been named the healthiest place in Britain to grow old. According to data released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the average healthspan, the age to which individuals can expect to live in good health, is 72.9 years on Orkney. This figure far exceeds the national average, which stands at around 60 years. In contrast, areas such as Blackpool see the average healthspan drop to just 50 years. The disparity highlights a striking difference in the quality of aging between regions, raising questions about the factors that contribute to Orkney’s remarkable longevity. Wendy Flett, a former nurse, attributes her continued vitality to a combination of regular physical activity, a balanced diet and a strong sense of community. She received a tattoo of a puffin, a symbol of Orkney, to commemorate her 70th birthday, underscoring the cultural pride that often accompanies the region’s healthy aging. Experts suggest that Orkney’s unique lifestyle, shaped by its rural setting and traditional ways of living, plays a key role in maintaining both physical and mental well-being. Professor Dawn Skelton, a specialist in aging and health at Glasgow Caledonian University, notes that integrating movement into daily routines is crucial for maintaining health in older adults. She points to practices such as crofting, traditional farming on small plots, as a means of preserving muscle strength and balance. Additionally, Skelton observes that Orkney’s limited supermarket options encourage home cooking and the preservation of traditional recipes, resulting in a more nutritious diet compared to urban centers. Social connections, she argues, are equally vital, with Orkney’s tight-knit communities offering emotional support and opportunities for engagement. Professor Sarah Harper, based at the Institute of Population Ageing in Oxford, echoes these sentiments. While acknowledging that there is no single solution to successful aging, she emphasizes the importance of physical activity, a balanced diet, social interaction and access to quality healthcare. She suggests that Orkney’s residents benefit from all these elements, including proximity to family, a clean environment and a culture that values continued participation in society. At Moira Kelday’s bungalow, the rhythm of life continues. At 70, Moira spends her days cleaning charity shops, planning weddings and advising tourists on scenic routes. Her husband, also in his seventies, chose to return to work after retirement, driving buses for cruise ships. Their lives exemplify the active lifestyles common among Orkney’s seniors. However, Moira notes that some older residents struggle to stay connected due to shifting social dynamics. Once vibrant groups like the Stenness Diamond Club, designed to bring together the over-60s, saw attendance decline from 40 to just six members. Many participants cited a lack of interest in being labeled as “old,” preferring instead to engage in meaningful work or hobbies. Despite these challenges, Orkney’s residents continue to thrive. Community involvement, a commitment to physical health and a rich cultural heritage appear to form the foundation of their longevity. As researchers and locals alike explore the secrets behind Orkney’s success, the question remains whether these practices can be adapted elsewhere to improve the quality of aging for populations across the UK. For now, the islands offer a compelling model, one where growing old is not merely surviving, but flourishing.